Thanks for posting. Like you I'm very keen to find out for definite what else exists from the fertile '66/'67 period.

I've just re-read Rogan's article in Record Collector on the 2014 Symposium which mentions a reel which includes the Doctor Doctor demo and That's Why. It states that the owner of the tape, Richie Lewis, was interviewed by phone at the event. However, it does not confirm that the reel was played. I am assuming it was not.

Then there is also the tracks he mentions from this period in your interview with him last year including Translations and Bakersfield Train. John Einarson's book mentions the existence of these same tracks (page 121).

Thanks for posting. Like you I'm very keen to find out for definite what else exists from the fertile '66/'67 period.

I've just re-read Rogan's article in Record Collector on the 2014 Symposium which mentions a reel which includes the Doctor Doctor demo and That's Why. It states that the owner of the tape, Richie Lewis, was interviewed by phone at the event. However, it does not confirm that the reel was played. I am assuming it was not.

Then there is also the tracks he mentions from this period in your interview with him last year including Translations and Bakersfield Train. John Einarson's book mentions the existence of these same tracks (page 121).

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Yes, I'm aware of Ritchie's 5-song tape; it's now in the hands of a private collector. It features solo demo versions of the songs you mentioned, plus 'On the Bright Side', 'She's Made Up Her Mind' and 'Long Time' (although on the tape box, in Gene's hand, it's entitled 'Such a Long Time').

A further thought on ‘That’s Why.’ I haven’t confirmed this with him, but in Rogan’s latest book it sounds as though he’s talking about a full-band version of the song that was recorded for, and left off, the solo debut...which means, like ‘Doctor, Doctor,’ there may be an acoustic demo plus a studio outtake.

Anyone order from sierra records mail order? I ordered back street mirror and lost studio sessions back on the 18th, I got an order received email about a week ago. Do they typically send a shipping notification, I know the modern age just has me jaded, 15 days isn't an unbearable amount of time but i'm chomping at the bit to get these

Anyone order from sierra records mail order? I ordered back street mirror and lost studio sessions back on the 18th, I got an order received email about a week ago. Do they typically send a shipping notification, I know the modern age just has me jaded, 15 days isn't an unbearable amount of time but i'm chomping at the bit to get these

I ordered the RSD when it was announced they would be shipping out the overstock. After a delay of a few weeks or so, I got a notice of apology and that they would be finally shipping out soon. That was early June, I believe. I got it about 2 weeks ago. Delays and shipping issues are unfortunately par for the course with Sierra. The debacle that John went through with Lost Studio Sessions was nuts.

I would suggest checking in with him every so often to make sure he still remembers and is making some progress in getting it to you. Sooner or later you’ll see your order.

Just got the EP in the mail, and I must say it's one of the thickest slabs of vinyl I have ever seen. Feels like a double album that has melted into one piece. But I'm not complaining. Looks and sounds great!

I just got a rather sad e-mail saying Sierra Records is closing the mail order for good:

SIERRA RECORDS MAIL ORDER

WEB STORE CLOSING

It is with regret that I am closing the Sierra Record Mail Order website effective July 31, 2018. Since 2004, I have provide online ordering for some the best music ever made. Before that, direct mail ordering that began in November 1971 with a tiny ad in Bluegrass Unlimited magazine.

There were several factors leading to this decision. The website hosting company for Sierra since 2004, goemerchant.com, is discontinuing their current 'shopping cart' software in favor of a "new premium cart" that is incompatible with what has been offered over the years. Second, the mail order business has declined to the point that it is no longer cost effective. I am joining other such independent mail order companies that have closed in recent months, years like Folk Era/Rediscover and the gold standard of mail order, County Sales.

Then I was faced with the recent problems with the postal services here and abroad which has caused me both money and my patience. Lastly, my on going battle with lung cancer and now arthritis in my right hand (making it almost impossible to package orders now) being the last straw.

Some of the titles that are currently available at the Sierra web store will no longer be available for purchase in the near future. After that, most of them should be available at places like amazon.com, acoustic sounds, elusive disc, etc. They along with with itunes, pandora, spotify, emusic, etc. will be carrying the digital download/streaming versions of the catalog now and in the coming months. So if there is anything you wanted to purchase but held off, this will be your last opportunity. All new orders until July 31, 2018 will be shipped into August.

I know this sounds like one of those old "going out business sales" that never ends. I can assure you, it is not. It's an end of an era.

Entrée Records, the specialty label, will continue to issue a wide variety of music releases including those for future 'Record Store Day' events. Again, these will be available at your local 'brick and mortar stores' and amazon.com moving forward.

A simple 'thank you' seems inadequate at this time. Sharing this music with you first when I began as a "DJ" in 1966 in Pasadena through the 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s with the record labels, until now, has been an honor. My hope is that there was at least a song or two that I released that brought you joy and pleasure.

Not really a goodbye, but just as Gram was fond of closing his letters,

Closing the mail order aspect of the business, yes. I believe John has plans to release more music in the future, just not through the old model.

There were all sorts of issues plaguing The Lost Studio Sessions, as we all know, but John's health concerns accounted for much of it. I'm glad he got past that challenge, and I'm glad he's taking time for himself.

Just got a hold of the Back Street Mirror EP and I just thought I would jump on board this thread to give it a rousing huzzah !
Have listened to it three times through now and consider an absolute necessity alongside the Lost Studio albums.
Yes , there are questionable backing instrumentations , and yes , there are rough spots from aging tapes BUT this is Gene Clark with stellar songs previously unheard and that magnificent voice reaches down through the years in all its glory.
And the songs, ahhhhhhhhhh the songs - cannot quit lifting the needle to put it back on the beginning of "If I Hang Around".
Absolutely recommended !

Just got a hold of the Back Street Mirror EP and I just thought I would jump on board this thread to give it a rousing huzzah !
Have listened to it three times through now and consider an absolute necessity alongside the Lost Studio albums.
Yes , there are questionable backing instrumentations , and yes , there are rough spots from aging tapes BUT this is Gene Clark with stellar songs previously unheard and that magnificent voice reaches down through the years in all its glory.
And the songs, ahhhhhhhhhh the songs - cannot quit lifting the needle to put it back on the beginning of "If I Hang Around".
Absolutely recommended !

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Just curious, Rene: when you say “questionable backing instrumentations”—I’m guessing that’s a reference to the horns?
Very interested in hearing your review of ‘Yesterday Am I Right.’

I hesitated for all of about 10 seconds at purchasing this when I saw Sierra's shipping fees outwith the US. I don't have a record player either so on top of that I had to pay for it to be transferred to CD.

All in all a very expensive purchase but absolutely no regrets. I just could not have waited for the digital version!

I thought the arrangement for Yesterday Am I Right was rather OTT when I first heard it but I love it. I can hear the comparison with Touch Me by The Doors which of course was recorded at least a year later.

If I Hang Around is simply stunning musically and lyrically. If it is definitely about Michelle Philips then I guess I can understand why it wasn't released at the time.

She Told Me is brief but I find it charming.

I would agree that That's What You Want is very reminiscent of the White Light material. It's hard to believe it was recorded in 1965.

A big thank you to all involved with this excellent release.

I would like to point out that the EP was shipped from California on the Thursday evening and it arrived in the west of Scotland on the Monday morning. My overall experience with Sierra has been very favourable. I know it won't be of any consolation to some posters on this thread but I feel I have to give credit where it is due.

I ended up getting my back street mirror and lost studio sessions last week, I got notification the day after I sent a follow up message, now I feel bad. I didn't know he was in poor health,. I'm real happy with both, they are just incredible and worth recommending to any Clark fans

Disappointingly, there are two points during Side 2, Track 3 ('That's What You Want') where the needle sticks. And the spindle hole is so tight I have to press down hard to get it onto the turntable and slowly jiggle it off so it won't break.

Disappointingly, there are two points during Side 2, Track 3 ('That's What You Want') where the needle sticks. And the spindle hole is so tight I have to press down hard to get it onto the turntable and slowly jiggle it off so it won't break.

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Spindle holes can be tight due to the burr left by the stamper. This can usually be removed by twisting a pencil or plastic biro through the hole. This could also be the cause of the needle sticking, because if you press down hard enough, it can"dish" the record. (I presume you've checked the usual suspects: is the turntable level, are the stylus tracking force and overhang correct etc).

Disappointingly, there are two points during Side 2, Track 3 ('That's What You Want') where the needle sticks. And the spindle hole is so tight I have to press down hard to get it onto the turntable and slowly jiggle it off so it won't break.

Thanks Jonker and Clarkophile. I'll try to widen the hole and see if that makes a difference. Perhaps the sticking might resolve itself. It's happened once or twice before with other records, when the needle manages to 'play through' after a while, albeit leaving a loud permanent click on the vinyl.

The Eagle Has Landed in Australia! Yes, my copy of 'Back Street Mirror' arrived this morning. I've already played it and it sounds as good as it looks. Thank you John for releasing this material and to Tom and Indigo for their wise words and lovely art work respectively.

The Eagle Has Landed in Australia! Yes, my copy of 'Back Street Mirror' arrived this morning. I've already played it and it sounds as good as it looks. Thank you John for releasing this material and to Tom and Indigo for their wise words and lovely art work respectively.

Disappointingly, there are two points during Side 2, Track 3 ('That's What You Want') where the needle sticks. And the spindle hole is so tight I have to press down hard to get it onto the turntable and slowly jiggle it off so it won't break.

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You must be the other guy who John told me about. I've got the exact same problems with the copy I just got the other day. Seems to be pressed a wee bit off center on side 1 as well. Beautiful package otherwise.